ND higher education issue will go to public vote

BISMARCK — North Dakota voters will decide next year whether a three-member, full-time commission should replace the current eight-member, part-time state Board of Higher Education.

The House on Tuesday approved sending the measure to the November 2014 statewide ballot. The Senate approved it Monday. It requires a vote because it seeks to change the state constitution.

The Higher Education board oversees the state's 11 public colleges and universities.

Sponsors of the measure want a different system that provides a clear chain of command between the higher education system's governing board and the 11 university presidents. Those opposed to the proposal say a permanent commission would be closely tied to state government, and would not have autonomy from the Legislature.